System and apparatus for pixel matrix see-through display panels

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and apparatus directed toward using a contact lens and deflection optics to process display information and non-display information. In one embodiment of the invention, a display panel assembly is provided, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted; a two-dimensional display panel disposed on the transparent substrate, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; and at least one filter disposed on at least one pixel element. The filter may comprise a bandpass filter that reduces bandwidths of emitted light from the pixel element, or a polarizer filter that limits polarity of emitted light from the pixel element.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/204,567 filed Sep. 4, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to optics and, more specifically, is directed toward optical processing of display information and non-display information using display panels and a dual path contact lens.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Current systems for optical processing of display information provided by a head-mounted display and non-display information provided by objects other than the head-mounted display may have characteristics that make them unattractive solutions for some applications. The twin requirements of a large field of view and a comfortable Eyeto-system distance for the viewer results in multi-component optical systems where the final optical component has a large diameter. Such systems tend to be large, bulky, and ill suited for applications where little space is available for processing the display information and the non-display information. For example, such systems are unattractive solutions for processing display and non-display information in a fighter pilot's helmet where the space for the optical system is limited.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention provide for systems and apparatus directed toward using a display panel to process display information and non-display information. Further embodiments utilize a display panel in conjunction with a contact lens assembly configured to process the display information.

In one embodiment of the invention, a display panel assembly is provided, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted; a two-dimensional display panel disposed on the transparent substrate, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other as to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; and at least one filter disposed on at least one pixel element. The filter may be a bandpass filter that reduces bandwidths of emitted light from the at least one pixel element, or a polarizer filter that limits polarity of emitted light from the at least one pixel element. Additionally, the pixel elements may be individual pixels or pixel triads.

In some embodiments, the display panel assembly further comprises a second polarizer filter to limit polarity of light passed through the transparent substrate. In other embodiments, there is one bandpass filter per pixel element. Alternatively, there may be one bandpass filter per row or column of pixel elements.

In some embodiments, the pixel elements have one polarizer filter per pixel element. Alternatively, the pixel elements may have one polarizer filter per row or column of pixel elements.

In other embodiments, a side of a single pixel element facing the transparent substrate is sufficiently opaque to substantially block light emitted from the single pixel element.

According to another embodiment, a display panel assembly is provided, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted; wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector reflects light emitted from the pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector allows broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; and an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element blocks light emitted from the pixel element away from the human visual system. The pixel elements may be individual pixels or pixel triads. Additionally, the opaque element may be reflective such that it reflects light emitted from the pixel element away from the human visual system. By way of example, there may be a single opaque element per pixel element or per row or column of pixel elements.

In some embodiments, the reflector is a narrow band reflector. For example, there may be one reflector per pixel element or per row or column of pixel elements.

In some embodiments, the reflector is a polarization reflector. In additional embodiments, the reflector is a partial reflector. In yet further embodiments, the reflector has a concave shape which allows sufficient expansion of incident light rays to allow the incident light rays to pass around the pixel element. In some such embodiments, the concave shape reduces the expansion of incident light rays to parallel light rays perceivable by the human visual system.

In additional embodiments, the display assembly further comprises a narrow bandpass filter disposed on the pixel element, wherein the narrow bandpass filter limits light emitted by the pixel element toward the narrow band reflector to a bandwidth that does not pass through the narrow band reflector.

In further embodiments, the display assembly further comprises a polarization filter disposed on the pixel element, wherein the polarization filter limits light emitted by the pixel element toward the polarization reflector to a polarity that does not pass through the polarization reflector.

In other embodiments, the display assembly further comprises a narrow bandpass filter disposed on the pixel element and a narrow band notch filter disposed on the far side of the reflector, wherein the narrow bandpass filter limits light emitted by the pixel element toward the partial reflector to a bandwidth that does not pass through the narrow band notch filter.

In some embodiments, there is a first polarization filter disposed on the pixel element and a second polarization filter disposed on the far side of the reflector, wherein the first polarization filter limits light emitted by the pixel element toward the partial reflector to a polarity that does not pass through the second polarization reflector.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an example apparatus to receive and process display information and non-display information in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the example apparatus (shown in FIG. 1A) coupled to a human visual system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of an example apparatus including the apparatus (shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display to provide the display in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of an example apparatus including the apparatus (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one or more filters (shown in FIG. 1A) includes a non-display path notch filter or a non-display path polarizing filter and further including the display (shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information (shown in FIG. 1A) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram of an example apparatus including the apparatus (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters include a non-display path polarizing filter (shown in FIG. 1D) and further including the display (shown in FIG. 1C) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example apparatus to receive and process the display information and the non-display information in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the example apparatus (shown in FIG. 2A) coupled to the human visual system (shown in FIG. 1B) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an example apparatus including the apparatus (shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display (shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information in accordance with some embodiments

FIG. 2D is a block diagram of an example apparatus including the apparatus (shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials includes a photochromic material or an electrochromic material and further including the display (shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information and one or more optical material activation signals in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example apparatus including a substrate including an optical path having one or more zone plates to receive display information and non-display information in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens shown in 4A) are illustrations of an example contact lens including the display information optical path and the non-display information optical path in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by the contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing non-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by the contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by the contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing to combine non-display information and display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by the contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing non-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by the contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing display information using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in 10A) are illustrations of an example contact lens including one or more zone plate filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an example display optically coupled by the contact lens to the human visual system to illustrate processing display information and non-display information using the one or more zone plate filters in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example apparatus including a substrate, a substantially transparent pixel unit, and an organic light emitting diode unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of an example method including enabling and disabling transmission of display information and transmission of non-display information in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of an example method including polarizing display and non-display information and illuminating a contact lens with the polarized display and non-display information in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that allows ambient light through spacing between display pixels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that uses spectral reflectors to redirect narrow bands of light from the display pixels back to the viewer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that uses polarized reflectors to redirect narrow bands of light from the display pixels back to the viewer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that uses partial reflectors to redirect narrow bands of light from the display pixels back to the viewer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward systems and apparatuses that use a display panel to provide display information and non-display information to a human eye. In some embodiments, a display panel in accordance with the present invention is configured to combine and process non-display information originating from the real world environment, with display information emanating from the display panel. In further embodiments, the display panel in accordance with the invention is used in conjunction with a contact lens to combine and process non-display information with display information. As will be disclosed by the following description, depending on the embodiment, the display panel of the invention may be positioned off-axis with respect to axial alignment of the human visual system (e.g., human eye) which perceives images produced by the display panel (i.e., light rays emanating from the display panel).

The term human visual system as used in the following description includes the components of the human body that facilitate vision including, but not limited to, the cornea, the retina, the pupil, the iris, the eye lens, sclera, and the optic nerves.

The term substrate as used in the following description includes any material or substance used to form an optical component such as a contact lens. The term zone plate includes an optical component that focuses light by diffraction. The term display information optical path includes the optical path traversed in a substrate by display information. The term non-display information optical path includes the optical path traversed in a substrate by non-display information. For some embodiments, non-display information may include what is perceived in the real world by a human eye. The term optically coupled includes two or more optical components connect by an optical path.

The term non-display information path optical power includes the optical power provided in a substrate for an optical signal passing through the non-display information path. The term substantially zero power includes an optical power that has substantially no effect on an optical signal. The term normal power is the optical power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for defects in the optical system. The term close power is the optical power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for viewing at a close distance.

The term electromagnetic radiation includes energy in the form of transverse electric and magnetic waves. The term electromagnetic radiation includes electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The term illuminating includes directing or transmitting electromagnetic radiation to a target.

The term filter includes apparatus or methods for selectively transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The term characteristic feature includes detectable traits, such as narrow bandwidth or polarization, by which signals can be distinguished.

The term notch filter includes a filter that blocks electromagnetic radiation over a substantially continuous narrow band of frequencies. The term non-display path notch filter includes a notch filter included in the non-display path of a substrate.

The term bandpass filter includes a filter that transmits electromagnetic radiation over a substantially continuous but finite band of frequencies. The term display path bandpass filter includes a bandpass filter included in the display path of a substrate.

The term polarizing filter includes a filter that polarizes electromagnetic radiation. The term display path polarizing filter includes a polarizing filter included in the display information path of a substrate. The term non-display path polarizing filter includes a polarizing filter included in the non-display information path of a substrate. The term shutter includes a controllable polarizing filter. The term substantially opaque filter includes a filter that blocks all or nearly all of the information received by the filter.

The term display includes any apparatus capable of generating information in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The term organic light emitting diode display includes one or more light-emitting diodes whose light emitting layer includes a film of one or more organic compounds. The term display information includes information provided by a display.

The term controllable optical materials includes materials whose optical properties, such as opacity, can be controlled. The term photochromic material includes materials whose optical properties can be controlled by an optical signal. The term electrochromic material includes an optical material whose properties can be controlled by an electrical signal. The term optical material activation signal includes signals to control the optical properties of a controllable optical material.

The term a pattern of pixel sites includes the organization of pixel sites on a substrate. The term substantial transparent pixel unit includes a portion of a display that transmits electromagnetic radiation generated outside the display. The term checkerboard pattern includes an alternating pattern similar to the pattern of a checkerboard.

In some embodiments, as illustrated and described herein, information provided by a head-mounted display, referred to as display information, and information provided by objects other than the head-mounted display, referred to as non-display information, are received at a contact lens included in a human visual system. A head-mounted display may include an organic light emitting diode display to provide the display information. The contact lens in combination with the human visual system provides images of the display information and the non-display information to the retina of the human visual system. The display information may include, for example, text information, non-text information or other visual information. The non-display information may include, for example, landscape information, non-landscape information, and other visual information.

The contact lens includes a display information optical path and a non-display information optical path. The display information optical path provides a contact lens transmission path between the head-mounted display and the human visual system for the display information transmitted by the head-mounted display. The display information optical path may form a substantially cylindrical central region of the contact lens. The display information optical path in the contact lens can provide power to assist the human visual system in focusing objects positioned close to the human lens.

The non-display information optical path provides a contact lens transmission path between the source of the non-display information and the human visual system for the non-display information. The non-display information optical path may form a substantially annular ring surrounding the cylindrical central region of the display information optical path. A filter is included in the non-display information optical path to substantially block display information from being transmitted through the non-display information optical path. The non-display information optical path in the contact lens may provide correction for defects, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in the human visual system.

The display information and the non-display information may be polarized to different polarizations to provide for distinguishing between the display information and the non-display information. Polarizing the display information and the non-display information enables independent processing of the display information and non-display information at the contact lens and enables tune-domain multiplexing in the transmission of the display information and the non-display information to the contact lens. The time-domain multiplexed display information and non-display information when processed by the human visual system are perceived as a single image. Further detailed description of these and other embodiments is provided below.

FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 101 to receive and process display information 103 and non-display information 105 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 includes a substrate 107 including a display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including a non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes a display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes one or more filters 115 and a non-display information path optical power 117.

The substrate 107 is not limited to being formed from a particular material or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use in forming optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming the substrate 107. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 include gels, such as silicone hydrogels, glasses, plastics, and polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate and polymacon. The substrate 107 is not limited to a particular type of optical component. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 includes a substrate or blank suitable for forming one lens, such as a contact lens. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 includes one or more optical components or lenses, such as focusing lenses, formed from one or more optical materials. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 is formed from a flexible material conformable to the shape of a human cornea. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 is formed by filling a contact lens mold with one or more liquid polymers.

The display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, having at least one characteristic feature lacking in the non-display electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information 105. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth while the non-display information 105 includes electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. Narrow spectral bandwidth and broad spectral bandwidth are relative terms. In some embodiments, for two signals, the signal having the narrower spectral bandwidth information is the signal having a narrow spectral bandwidth and the signal having the broader spectral bandwidth information is the signal having a broad spectral bandwidth. In some embodiments, narrow spectral bandwidth information includes information having a bandwidth of between about a few nanometers and a few tens of nanometers. In some embodiments, broad spectral bandwidth information includes information having a bandwidth greater than about a few tens of nanometers. Thus, the non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth lacks the characteristic feature—narrow spectral bandwidth—included in the display information 103.

As a second example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, such as right-handed circular polarization, and the non-display information 105 includes unpolarized information. Thus, the non-display information 105 including the non-display electromagnetic radiation having the unpolarized information lacks the characteristic feature—right handed circular polarization—included in the display information 103.

The display information optical path 109 is included in the substrate 107 and is formed from an optical material or combination of materials. The display information optical path 109 is not limited to being formed from a particular optical material or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 are suitable for use in forming the display information optical path 109. The materials used to form the display information optical path 109 may differ from the one or more materials used to form the substrate 107.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 receives and transmits electromagnetic information, such as the display information 103. When coupled to a human visual system (as shown in FIG. 1B), the display information optical path 109 receives the display information 103 and assists the human visual system to substantially focus the display information 103 to a retina in the human visual system.

The non-display information optical path 111 is included in the substrate 107 and is formed from an optical material or combination of materials. The non-display information optical path 111 is not limited to being formed from a particular optical material or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 are suitable for use in forming the non-display information optical path 111. The materials used to form the non-display information optical path 111 may differ from the one or more materials used to form the substrate 107.

In operation, the non-display information optical path 111 receives the non-display information 105 and when coupled to a human visual system (as shown in FIG. 1B) substantially focuses the non-display information 105 to a retina in the human visual system. The non-display information 105 includes any information, such as visible objects, not included in the display information 103. In some embodiments, the non-display information 105 is provided from objects more distant from the human visual system than the source of the display information 103. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 is provided to a human visual system from a head-mounted display located between about 5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters from the cornea, and the non-display information 105 is provided to the human visual system from a source located at a distance of greater than about 200 millimeters from the cornea.

The one or more filters 115 included in the non-display information optical path 111 substantially block the display information 103 while substantially transmitting the non-display information 105. Each of the one or more filters 115 is sensitive to a physical characteristic, such as wavelength, frequency, or polarization, of the display information 103. Thus, the one or more filters 115 may include any filter or combination of filters or other optical components capable of substantially blocking the display information 103 while substantially transmitting the non-display information 105.

Optical power is the degree to which a lens or mirror converges or diverges light or electromagnetic radiation. A lens or mirror having substantially zero optical power neither converges nor diverges electromagnetic radiation. Normal power is the power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for defects in the optical system. For example, normal power includes a power to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism in a human visual system. In some embodiments, a normal power is between about 0.25 and about 10 diopters.

Close power is the power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for viewing at a close distance. In a human visual system, a close distance is a distance of less than about 250 millimeters. For objects closer than about 250 millimeters, the human visual system cannot form a sharp image on the retina. A focusing lens can provide close power to assist a human visual system in viewing objects at distances of less than about 250 millimeters. In some embodiments, the close power is between about 5 and about 200 diopters.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 101 includes combinations of optical powers. In some embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In other embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes a normal power. In further embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In additional embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes normal power.

FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A) coupled to a human visual system 131 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has an aperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing the display information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sized to increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path 109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about one millimeter.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 and the non-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system 131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 and a focused image of the non-display information 105 on a retina 133. The display information optical path 109 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the display information 103 to the retina 133 to form retinal display information image 135. The non-display information optical path 111 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 to the retina 133 to form retinal non-display information image 137. At least one of the one or more filters 115 in the non-display information optical path 111 substantially blocks the display information 103 from entering the human visual system 131 from the non-display information optical path 111.

FIG. 1C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 141 including the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display 143 to provide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes information provided by the display 143. The display 143 includes any device or system that provides information in the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 is provided by a device including a single two-state source of visible light.

The display 143 is not limited to a particular type of display. In some embodiments, the display 143 includes micro-displays and other small displays, such as displays having a thickness of between about 100 microns and about two millimeters, flat screen displays, such as liquid crystal displays, and cathode ray tube displays. In some embodiments, the display 143 is mounted in an eyeglass frame. In operation, in some embodiments, the distance between the display and a human cornea is between about 5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters.

The display information 103 provided by the display 143 may include a characteristic feature related to the wavelength of the display information 103. In some embodiments, the display information 103 provided by the display 143 includes information having a narrow spectral bandwidth. Exemplary displays that provide the display information 103 having a narrow spectral bandwidth include organic light emitting diode displays and electroluminescent displays.

The display 143 is not limited to providing the display information 103. In some embodiments, the display 143 is substantially occluded, partially occluded, or substantially transparent. For a partially occluded or substantially transparent display, the display 143 may transmit the non-display information 105 in addition to providing the display information 103. An organic light emitting diode display is an exemplary display capable of providing substantially transparent, partially occluded, and substantially occluded operation.

FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 151 including the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one or more filters 115 includes a non-display path notch filter 153 or a non-display path polarizing filter 155 and further including the display 143 to provide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information optical path includes a display path bandpass filter 157. In other embodiments, the display information optical path includes a display path polarizing filter 159.

The non-display path notch filter 153 is selected to substantially block the display information 103 in the non-display information optical path 111. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153 is selected to block at least about 90% of the energy included in the display information 103. Blocking less than about 90% of energy included in the display information 103 may result in blurring of the display information 103 and the non-display information 105. The non-display path notch filter 153 is not limited to a particular type of notch filter. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153 includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugate filter. Notch filters, such as the non-display path notch filter 153, are formed by periodically varying the refractive index in each of a plurality of discrete thin film layers included in a contact lens. Microlithographic processes can be applied to each of the plurality of discrete thin film layers to pattern the notch filters. The plurality of discrete thin film layers may be introduced into the contact lens during the molding of the lens.

In operation, the non-display path notch filter 153 is included in the non-display information optical path 111 to block narrow bandwidth electromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. If the non-display information 105 includes broad spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation, the non-display path notch filter 153 has substantially no effect on the non-display information 105. The non-display information 105 passes through the non-display information optical path 111 substantially unchanged.

In some embodiments, the frequencies to be blocked by the non-display path notch filter 153 include the primary colors included in the spectrum of the display information 103. For example, for the display information 103 having primary colors red, green, and blue, the one or more filters 115 are selected to substantially block narrow spectrum red, green, and blue. The transmission curve to substantially block narrow spectrum red, green, and blue includes “notches” or a transmission coefficient of substantially zero at the one or more bands of frequencies to be blocked, narrow spectrum red, green, and blue. In some embodiments, the “notches” have a bandwidth that blocks a band of frequencies, such as, for example, a band of frequencies having a narrow spectrum of between about two and about thirty nanometers, centered on each of the primary colors, red, green, and blue.

The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block the display information 103 in the non-display information optical path 111. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is not limited to a particular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to substantially block right-handed circularly polarized radiation. In other embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation. In further embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block linearly polarized electromagnetic radiation. Pixelated micro-wires and birefringent polymers are suitable for use in forming linear polarizers for use in forming polarizing filters, such as the non-display path polarizing filter 155. Circular polarizers are formed by adding a quarter wave-plate retarder in series with a linear polarizer.

In operation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is included in the non-display information optical path 111 to block polarized electromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. For example, if the display information 103 includes left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation and the non-display information 105 includes right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation while having substantially no effect on the right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information 105. The non-display information 105 passes through the non-display information optical path 111 substantially unchanged.

The display path bandpass filter 157 is selected to substantially block the non-display information 105 in the display information optical path 109. The display path bandpass filter 157 is not limited to a particular type of bandpass filter. In some embodiments, the display path bandpass filter 157 includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugate filter. Bandpass filters, such as the display path bandpass filter 157, are formed by varying the refractive index in each of a plurality of thin films to selectively pass the desired wavelength bands and including the plurality of discrete thin film layers in a contact lens. Microlithographic processes can be applied to the plurality of thin films to pattern the bandpass filters. The plurality of discrete thin film layers may be introduced into the contact lens during the molding of the lens.

In operation, the display path bandpass filter 157 included in the display information optical path 109 is selected to substantially block broad spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation included in the non-display information 105. If the display information 103 includes narrow spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation substantially matched to the passband of the display path bandpass filter 157, the display path bandpass filter 157 has substantially no effect on the display information 103. The display information 103 passes through the display information optical path 109 substantially unchanged.

The display path polarizing filter 159 is selected to substantially block the non-display information 105 in the display information optical path 109. The display path polarizing filter 159 is not limited to a particular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, the display path polarizing filter 159 includes a linearly polarized filter.

In operation, the display path polarizing filter 159 is included in the display information optical path 109 to substantially block electromagnetic radiation included in the non-display information 105. If the display information 103 includes right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation and the display path polarizing filter 159 is selected to transmit right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation, the display path polarizing filter 159 has substantially no effect on the display information 103. The display information 103 passes through the display information optical path 109 substantially unchanged.

In some embodiments, in operation the apparatus 151 processes a combination of spectral bandwidths and polarizations in the display information 103 and the non-display information 105. In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and the non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In other embodiments, the display information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization and the non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization. In further embodiments, the display information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display information polarization and the non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In additional embodiments, the display information 103 includes display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display information polarization and the non-display information 105 including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth and a non-display information polarization.

FIG. 1E shows a block diagram of an apparatus 161 including the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters 115 includes the non-display path polarizing filter 155 (shown in FIG. 1D) and further including the display 143 (shown in FIG. 1C in accordance with some embodiments The apparatus 101 includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117. The display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.

The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to block the display information 103. In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having the display information polarization. To block the display information 103, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to block electromagnetic radiation having the display information polarization. In some embodiments, the non-display information 105 includes the non-display electromagnetic radiation having the non-display information polarization. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to pass the non-display electromagnetic radiation having the non-display information polarization.

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 201 to receive and process the display information 103 and the non-display information 105 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105.

The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

The one or more controllable optical materials 203 include materials having one or more controllable optical properties. In some embodiments, the one or more controllable optical materials 203 include photochromic materials. The controllable optical properties, such as opacity, may be controlled by providing the photochromic material with an electromagnetic signal, such as an optical signal, for example, to increase or decrease the opacity of the photochromic material.

In some embodiments, the one or more controllable optical materials 203 include an electrochromic material. The one or more controllable optical properties, such as opacity, may be controlled by providing the electrochromic material with an electromagnetic signal, such as a radio frequency signal, for example, to increase or decrease the opacity of the electrochromic material.

In operation, the one or more controllable optical materials 203 included in the non-display information optical path 111 block or transmit information in the non-display information optical path 111. When at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 is set to block information in the non-display information optical path 111, substantially only display information 103 in the display information optical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

Neither the display information path optical power 113 nor the non-display information path optical power 117 is limited to a particular power. In some embodiments, the apparatus 201 includes a combination of optical powers. In some embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical path power 117 includes substantially zero power. In other embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes a normal power. In further embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In additional embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes normal power.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A) coupled to the human visual system 131 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has an aperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing the display information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sized to increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path 109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about one millimeter.

In operation, the display information optical path 109 and the non-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system 131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 at the retina 133 and a focused image of the non-display information 105 at the retina 133. The display information optical path 109 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the display information 103 at the retina 133 to form a retinal display information image 135. The non-display information optical path 111 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 at the retina 133 to form a retinal non-display information image 137. At least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 in the non-display information optical path 111 substantially blocks the display information 103 from entering the human visual system 131 from the non-display information optical path 111.

FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 211 including the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display 143 (shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes information provided by the display 143.

FIG. 2D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 221 including the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 includes a photochromic material 223 or an electrochromic material 225 and further including the display 143 to provide the display information 103 and one or more optical material activation signals 227 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113.

The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes the display path bandpass filter 157. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes the display path polarizing filter 159.

The one or more material activation signals 227 provide control information to the one or more controllable optical materials 203. In some embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227 provide control information to the photochromic material 223. An optical signal is an exemplary signal suitable for use in providing control information to the photochromic material 223. In some embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227 provide control information to the electrochromic material 225. A radio frequency signal is an exemplary signal suitable for use in providing control information to the electrochromic material 225. In some embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227 are provided by the display 143.

In operation, one or more of the photochromic material 223 and the electrochromic material 225 are included in the non-display information optical path 111 to block or transmit information in the non-display information optical path 111. When at least one of the one or more of the photochromic material 223 and the electrochromic material 225 is set to block information in the non-display information optical path 111, substantially only display information 103 in the display information optical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus 301 comprising a substrate 303 including an optical path 305 having one or more zone plates 307 to receive the display information 103 and the non-display information 105 in accordance with some embodiments.

The substrate 303 is not limited to being formed from a particular material or combination of materials. Any materials suitable for use in forming optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming the substrate 303. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 303 include gels such as silicone hydrogels, glasses, plastics, and polymers such as polymethyl, methacrylate and polymacon. The substrate 303 is not limited to a particular type of optical component. In some embodiments, the substrate 303 includes a lens, such as a contact lens, formed from one or more of the exemplary materials.

The formation of the one or more zone plates 307 is not limited to a particular process or set of processes. In some embodiments, each of the one or more zone plates 307 is formed by patterning an interference filter, such as a rugate filter, in concentric rings in one of the one or more zone plates 307. The patterning of a rugate filter is not limited to a particular type of patterning. In some embodiments, the patterning includes binary patterning. In other embodiments, the patterning includes sinusoidal patterning. The refractive index of the rugate filter may vary continuously and periodically.

The one or more zone plates 307, in some embodiments, include three zone plates stacked substantially one on top of the other in the optical path 305 included in the substrate 303. In some embodiments, a display that provides the display information 103 includes the primary colors red, green, and blue and the one or more zone plates 307 are selected to filter the primary colors. To filter the colors red, green, and blue, one of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color red. A second of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color green, while a third of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color blue. The rugate filter formed to filter the color red includes rings that block red and rings that pass all other colors. The rugate filter formed to filter the color green includes rings that block green and rings that pass all other colors, whereas the rugate filter formed to filter the color blue includes rings that block blue and rings that pass all other colors.

In some embodiments, the display information 103 is substantially collimated by the one or more zone plates 307. To collimate the display information 103, the one or more zone plates 307 are formed to have a focal length of between about five and about two hundred millimeters.

In operation, the apparatus 301 processes the display information 103 and the non-display information 105 substantially simultaneously. The display information 103 is diffracted and substantially focused as the display information 103 passes through the optical path 305. The non-display information 105 passes through the optical path 305 substantially unchanged. The display information 103 and the non-display information 105 are focused to substantially the same focal point at substantially the same time. For a focal point located at a retina of a human visual system, the brain superimposes the two images.

The apparatus 301, in some embodiments, includes a display 309. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization different from the display information polarization.

The optical path 305 is not limited to a particular optical power. In some embodiments, the optical path 305 provides substantially zero optical power 313 for the non-display information 103. In some embodiments, the optical path 305 provides a normal optical power 315 for the non-display information 105.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 301 includes a filter 317 substantially surrounding around the optical path 305. In some embodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, the filter 317 includes a substantially opaque filter to substantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, the filter 317 includes a non-display path polarizing filter to substantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, the filter 317 includes a notch filter to substantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the human visual system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens 401 shown in 4A) show illustrations of a contact lens 401 including the display information optical path 109 and the non-display information optical path 111 in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 forms a substantially cylindrical path through a central area-of the contact lens 401. The diameter of the display information optical path 109 may be sized to increase the depth of focus and thereby assist in focusing light from a display, such as a head-mounted display, to a retina in a wearer's visual system. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes a focusing element 403, such as a lens, to assist the wearer's visual system in focusing light rays to the retina. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes a wavelength selective filter, a polarization selective filter, or a variable opacity filter including one or more controllable optical materials such as electrochromic or photochromic materials.

The non-display information optical path 111 forms a substantially annular ring surrounding the display information optical path 109. The non-display information optical path 111 may also include a non-display information path optical power to assist the wearer's visual system in focusing light rays from objects located at a greater distance from the wearer's visual system than the display. The non-display information path optical power assists the wearer's visual system by providing an appropriate power to correct for deficiencies in the wearer's visual system. For example, for a nearsighted wearer, the non-display information optical path 111 may include an optical power to correct for the wearer's nearsightedness and permit the nearsighted wearer to clearly view objects more distant from the wearer's visual system than the display. In some embodiments, the non-display information optical path 111 includes (i) a wavelength selective filter (including a wavelength selectivity different from the selectivity of the wavelength selective filter of the display information optical path 109), (ii) a polarization selective filter (including a polarization selectivity different from the polarization selectivity of the polarization selective filter of the display information optical path 109), or (iii) a variable opacity filter.

In operation, the contact lens 401 substantially conforms to the shape of a wearer's cornea. The display information optical path 109 receives and passes or transmits light rays from the display to the wearer. The non-display information optical path 111 receives and passes or transmits light rays from objects more distant from the wearer's visual system than the display.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing non-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 143 includes a display notch filter 501 and an organic light emitting diode display 503. In some embodiments, the contact lens 401 includes (i) display path bandpass filter 157, such as a narrow band bandpass filter, (ii) focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and (iii) one or more filters 115, such as one or more notch filters. The human visual system 131 includes an iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contact lens 401 than the display 143 encounter the display 143, the contact lens 401, and the human visual system 131. At the display 143, the display notch filter 501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengths of the light rays 509 that correspond to the wavelength notches of display notch filter 501 are substantially removed by the display notch filter 501, allowing light rays 511 to pass. The light rays 511 pass through the display 143 substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 401, the light rays 511 are substantially blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157 and substantially passed by the one or more filters 115. At the human visual system 131, one or more of the light rays 511 pass through the iris 507 to faun light rays 513. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 513 to the retina 133.

Shadow 515 is created by the light rays blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157. The display path bandpass filter 157 slightly reduces the image intensity at the retina 133 when compared to an image formed at the retina 133 in the absence of the display path bandpass filter 157. Otherwise, the image at the retina 133 is substantially unaltered by the display path bandpass filter 157. The focusing element 505 has substantially no affect on the light rays 513 reaching the retina 133, as the light rays 511 received at the focusing element 505 are blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 sees a normal; real world environment except that the light rays 511 now include the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notch filter 501 when the display 143 is in use. At the contact lens 401, the wavelengths blocked at the display notch filter 501 when the display 143 is in use are passed by the display path bandpass filter 157 and defocused by the focusing element 505.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 401 includes (i) the display path bandpass filter 157, such as a narrow bandwidth bandpass filter, (ii) the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and (iii) the one or more filters 115. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, light rays 601 and 602 are provided by the organic light emitting diode display 503. The light rays 602 are blocked by the display notch filter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the contact lens 401. The light rays 601 are received at the contact lens 401 and the human visual system 131. The light rays 601 are blocked by the one or more filters 115, for example, a notch filter, but are passed as light rays 603 by the display path bandpass filter 157. The focusing element 505, such as a focusing lens, provides optical power to assist the human lens 134 to focus the light rays 603 to the retina 133. The light rays 603 are substantially unaffected by the iris 507.

In some embodiments, the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded. In such embodiments, a material having an opacity is included in the display 143 to provide the occlusion or partial occlusion. When the material is included in the display 143 on the side of display 143 facing away from the contact lens 401, some or all of the non-display information or ambient light rays are blocked. In such embodiments, the display notch filter 501 is not required.

FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing to combine non-display information and display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 401 includes the display path bandpass filter 157, the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and the one or more filters 115. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contact lens 401 than the display 143 are processed as described above in the description of FIG. 5 to provide light rays 511 and 513. The light rays 601 and 602 provided by the display 143 are processed as described above in the description of FIG. 6 to provide light rays 603. The light rays 603 come to a focus at substantially the same spot on the retina 133 as the light rays 513. The wearer's brain combines the retinal images provided by the light rays 603 and the light rays 509 to form a superimposed image.

FIG. 8 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing non-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the organic light emitting diode display 503, a display polarizing filter 801, and display shutters 803 and 805. The contact lens 401 includes a display path filter 807, such as a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizing filter, the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and the non-display path polarizing filter 155. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 809 are polarized by the display polarizing filter 801 to form light rays 811. The shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the same polarization as the display polarizing filter 801. Thus, the light rays 811 pass through the shutters 803 and 805 substantially unaltered. The organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “off” state and is therefore substantially translucent to the light rays 811. Thus, the light rays 811 also pass through the organic light emitting diode display 503 substantially unaltered. The light rays 811 are substantially blocked by the display path filter 807. In some embodiments, the display path filter 807 includes the display path bandpass filter 157 (shown in FIG. 1D). In some embodiments, the display path filter 807 includes the display path polarizing filter 159 (shown in FIG. 1D) having a polarization different from the polarization of the shutters 803 and 805. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 has the same polarization as the shutters 803 and 805. Thus, the light rays 811 pass through the non-display path polarizing filter 155 substantially unaltered. At the human visual system 131, the iris 507 limits the light rays passing through the iris 507 to light rays 813. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 813 at the retina 133.

Shadow 815 is created by the light rays blocked by the display path filter 807. The display path filter 807 slightly reduces the image intensity at the retina 133 when compared to an image formed at the retina 133 in the absence of the display path filter 807. Otherwise, the image at the retina 133 is substantially unaltered by the display path filter 807. The focusing element 505 has substantially no affect on the light rays 811 reaching the retina 133, as the light rays 811 passing through the focusing element 505 are substantially blocked by the display path filter 807.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 sees a normal, real world environment except that the light rays 811 are polarized. For the display path filter 807 including either a polarizing filter or a bandpass filter, the light rays passing through the display path filter 807 are defocused by the focusing element 505 before reaching retina 133.

FIG. 9 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing display information using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display polarizing filter 801, the display shutter 803, the organic light emitting diode display 503, and the display shutter 805. The contact lens 401 includes the non-display path polarizing filter 155, the display path filter 807, such as a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizing filter, and the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina. 133.

In operation, the display polarizing filter 801 polarizes the light rays 809 to form light rays 811. The shutter 803 is switched to a polarization to substantially block the light rays 811, and the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state. The organic light emitting diode display 503 provides the light rays 601 and 602, while the shutter 803 polarizes the light rays 602 to form light rays 901. The display polarizing filter 801 is set to a polarization to substantially block the light rays 901. Thus, the light rays 901 are not visible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the display 143. The shutter 805 polarizes the light rays 601 to form light rays 903. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is set to a polarization to substantially block the light rays 903. For the display path filter 807 set to substantially the same polarization as the shutter 805, the display path filter 807 passes the light rays 903 substantially unaltered. The focusing element 505, such as a focusing lens, provides optical power to assist the human lens 134 to focus the light rays 905 to the retina 133. Thus, the focusing element 505 may provide an optical power to assist the human lens 134 in focusing the light rays 903 at the retina 133. The human lens 134 in combination with the focusing element 505 processes the light rays 903 to form light rays 905. The iris 507 has substantially no affect on the light rays 905 substantially focused at the retina 133.

If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the display polarization filter 801 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, a material having an opacity is included on the side of the display 143 facing away from the contact lens 401 to block some or all of the light rays 509 including the non-display information.

In some embodiments, a quarter wave-plate is included in the shutter 805 to convert the light rays 601 having a linear polarization to a circular polarization. To support the processing of circularly polarized radiation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to provide transmission of right-handed circularly polarized radiation. Also, to support the processing of circularly polarized radiation, the display path filter 807 includes a filter to provide transmission of left-handed circularly polarized radiation. In operation, to process the non-display information, the shutter 805 including the quarter wave-plate is set to pass right-handed circularly polarized radiation. In operation, to process the display information the shutter 805 including the quarter wave plate is set to pass left-handed circularly polarized radiation. In some embodiments, the display path filter 807 includes a display path bandpass filter.

A filter providing transmission of circularly polarized radiation, unlike a filter providing for transmission of linearly polarized radiation, does not require rotational alignment of the contact lens 401 with the human visual system 131. However, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is not limited to a filter for processing circularly polarized radiation. In some embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to provide transmission of linearly polarized radiation.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in some embodiments the shutters 803 and 805 are switched between one polarization state and another polarization state in synchronization with the setting of the organic light emitting diode display 503 to an “on” state and an “off” state. For example, when the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the state as described for FIG. 9 to process the display information provided by the light rays 601 and 602 from the organic light emitting diode display 503. And, for example, when the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “off” state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the state as described for FIG. 8 to process non-display information provided by the light rays 809. The switching rate is set to a frequency that allows the brain of a wearer of the contact lens 401 to form a single image from the superposition of the images of the display information and the non-display information.

Polarizing shutters, such as shutters 803 and 805, can utilize liquid crystal display panels that re-orient their liquid crystals in response to an applied electric field. When the crystals are oriented in one direction, they pass electromagnetic radiation having a particular polarization. Changing the electric field to orient the crystals in a second direction causes electromagnetic radiation having a second polarization to be passed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in IOA) show illustrations of a contact lens 1001 including one or more zone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the one or more zone plate filters 1003 are formed by patterning a rugate filter in concentric rings of a diffraction zone plate, which focuses light using diffraction to cause constructive interference at a focal point to create an image. A rugate filter includes optical interference films of varying thickness. The refractive index of the optical interference film varies as a function of the film's optical thickness. The use of a rugate filter in forming a zone plate results in a zone plate that operates on a particular set of wavelengths, for example, a narrow band of wavelengths. In some embodiments, the patterning of the zone plate is binary. Binary patterning includes substantially opaque and transparent rings of substantially equal areas. In some embodiments, the patterning is sinusoid. Sinusoid patterning includes rings having substantially gradual variations in opacity. In some embodiments, the contact lens 1001 includes a notch filter 1005 forming substantially an annular ring around the one or more zone plate filters 1003.

FIG. 11 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 1001 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing display information and non-display information using the one or more zone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 1001 includes the one or more zone plate filters 1003. In some embodiments, the contact lens 1001 includes the notch filter 1005. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 providing non-display information received from objects more distant from the contact lens 1001 than the display 143 encounter the display 143, the contact lens 1001, and the human visual system 131. At the display 143, the display notch filter 501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengths of the light rays 509 that correspond to the wavelength notches of the display notch filter 501 are substantially removed by the display notch filter 501, passing the light rays 511. The light rays 511 pass through the display 143 substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 1001, the light rays 511 pass through the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and the notch filter 1005 substantially unaltered. At the human visual system 131, the iris 507 may block some of the light rays 511, passing light rays 1007. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 1007 including the non-display information at the retina 133.

In operation, the organic light emitting diode display 503 provides light rays 601 and 602. The light rays 602 are directed away from the contact lens 1001 and are substantially blocked by the display notch filter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the display 143. The light rays 601 are directed toward the contact lens 1001 including the notch filter 1005 and the one or more zone plate filters 1003. At the notch filter 1005, the light rays 601 are substantially blocked. At the one or more zone plate filters 1003, the light rays 601 are diffracted to form the light rays 1009. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 1009 including the display information at the retina 133.

In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contact lens 1001 than the display 143 are processed as described above to provide the light rays 1007 including the non-display information to the retina 133. The light rays 601 provided by the display 143 are processed as described above to provide the light rays 1009 including the display information to the retina 133. The light rays 1007 and the light rays 1009 are focused at substantially the same spot at the retina 133 at substantially the same time. Thus, the brain of the wearer of the contact lens 1001 combines the retinal image provided by the light rays 1007 including the non-display information and the retinal image provided by the light rays 1009 including the display information to form a superimposed image including the display information and the non-display information.

In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 1001 sees a normal, real world environment except the light rays 511 now include the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notch filter 501. At the contact lens 1001, the wavelengths blocked at the display notch filter 501 when the display 143 is present are diffracted by the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and defocused by the human lens 134.

If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the display notch filter 501 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, a material having an opacity is included on the side of the display 143 facing away from the contact lens 1001 to block some or all of the light rays 509 including the non-display information.

FIG. 12 shows an illustration of an apparatus 1201 including a substrate 1203, a substantially transparent pixel unit 1205, and an organic light emitting diode unit 1207 in accordance with some embodiments. The substrate 1203 includes a pattern 1209 of pixel sites including a first pattern of one or more first pixel sites 1211 and a second pattern of one or more second pixel sites 1213. The substantially transparent pixel unit 1205 is located at substantially each of the one or more first pixel sites 1211. The organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207 including a filter 1215 is located at substantially each of the one or more second pixel sites 1213. The filter 1215 is located on the substrate 1203 to enable filtering of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the organic light emitting diode unit before the electromagnetic radiation reaches a viewer. To filter the electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, emitted by the organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207, the area of the filter 1215 is substantially equal to or greater than the area of the organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207. In some embodiments, the filter 1215 is a narrow band filter. In other embodiments, the filter 1215 is a polarizing filter. The pattern 1209 of pixel sites is not limited to a particular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern 1209 of pixel sites includes a checkerboard pattern including the first pattern of the one or more first pixel sites 1211 alternating with the second pattern of the one or more second pixel sites 1213. The sites are not limited to a particular shape and the shapes shown are only for schematic illustration.

FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 1301 including enabling and disabling transmission of display information and transmission of non-display information in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1301 enables transmission of display information from a display and switches one or more shutters to a first polarization to polarize the display information (block 1303), and disables transmission of the display information from the display and switches the one or more shutters to a second polarization different from the first polarization to enable transmission of the non-display information through the one or more shutters (block 1305). In some embodiments, the method 1301 includes receiving the display information and the non-display information at a contact lens. In some embodiments, the method 1301 includes substantially blocking the display information at a non-display information optical path included in the contact lens and substantially transmitting the display information at a display information optical path included in the contact lens.

FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method 1401 including polarizing display and non-display information and illuminating a contact lens with the polarized display and non-display information in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1401 (i) polarizes non-display information to form polarized non-display information and polarizes display information to form polarized display information (block 1403), (ii) illuminates a contact lens with the polarized non-display information while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized display information (block 1405), and (iii) illuminates the contact lens with the polarized display information while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized non-display information (block 1407). In some embodiments, the method 1401 includes substantially blocking the polarized display information at the non-display information path at the contact lens.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that allows ambient light through the spacing between the display pixels, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 15, a viewer's eye 1500 is shown wearing contact lens 1501 that permits viewing sparsely filled matrix display 1510 simultaneously with ambient light 1515 visible through the spacing between the display pixels 1512.

As illustrated, display pixels 1512 are affixed to transparent substrate 1514 with spacing between each adjacent pixel to allow light to pass. The optical characteristics of the light reaching the viewer's eye are modified by locating optical filters 1511 over some or all of the display pixels 1512. Depending on the embodiment, optical filters 1511 may be either spectral filters or polarization filters. Opaque features 1513 are placed between the display pixels 1512 and the transparent substrate 1514 to prevent light from being transmitted out through the transparent substrate.

Light from the display pixels is prevented from entering the viewer's pupil by optical filter 1504. Optical filter 1504 has a center aperture that does allow light from the display pixels to enter the viewer's pupil. This light travels through a lenslet 1502, which substantially collimates the light from the display pixels, and through optional optical filter 1503. In some embodiments, the lenslet 1502 may be in the center of the contact lens 1501. In this manner, the collimated light from the display pixels is focused onto the viewer's retina.

In those embodiments where the optical filters 1511 are narrow bandpass spectral filters, the light from display pixels 1512 reaching contact lens 1501 would be narrow band light. In such embodiments, optical filter 1504 could be a spectral notch filter that blocks these narrow bands of light, but does not block the broad bands of light 1515.

In those embodiments where optical filters 1511 are polarization filters of a first polarization, the optical filter 1504 could be a polarization filter having of a second polarization, which blocks the first polarization light from pixels 1512. The un-polarized light 1515 that passes between optical filters 1511 passes through optical filter 1504.

In either case, light 1515 is able to pass through filter 1504 and enter the viewer's pupil, where it is focused onto the retina by the eye 1500. Light 1515 passes through lenslet 1502, but is blocked by the optional optical filter 1503.

The openings between opaque features 1513, display pixels 1512, and optical filters 1511 allow light 1515 to pass; however, these features diffract light 1515. For this reason, in some embodiments, the fill factor for the opaque features 1513, display pixels 1512, and optical filters 1511 is kept relatively low (less than 25%) to minimize the amount of diffraction.

FIG. 16 shows an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that uses spectral reflectors to redirect narrow bands of light from the display pixels back to the viewer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 16, a viewer's eye 1500 is shown wearing a contact lens 1501 capable of viewing a sparsely filled matrix display 1610 that uses spectral reflectors 1616 to redirect the narrow bands of light from the display pixels 1611 back to the viewer. In addition, the viewer is able to see the surrounding light 1615 that passes through the spectral reflectors 1616 and between the display pixels 1611.

As illustrated, display pixels 1611 are affixed to transparent substrate 1614 with spacing between each adjacent pixel to allow light to pass. The optical characteristics of the light reaching the viewer's eye are modified by locating spectral bandpass filters 1612 over some or all of the display pixels 1611. Depending on the embodiment, optical features 1613 may be either reflective or opaque to prevent light from pixels 1611 from directly illuminating the viewer's eye 1500. By using reflectors for optical features 1613, more light from display pixels 1611 is directed toward spectral reflectors 1616.

In the illustrated embodiment, spectral reflectors 1616 reflect narrow bands of light corresponding to the light emitted by display pixels 1611, which are narrowed by spectral bandpass filters 1611 (when present), and transmit broadband light outside those narrow bands of light. Additionally, transparent substrate 1618 is etched or molded to create concave surfaces to which Rugate coatings are applied to create spectral reflectors 1616. Substrate 1618 is bonded to transparent substrate 1614 with optical adhesive 1619. The coefficients of refraction of transparent substrate 1618, transparent substrate 1614, and optical adhesive 1619 are substantially equivalent such that broadband light 1615 passes through without modification.

Light from display pixels 1611 is reflected by spectral reflector 1616 and passed back toward display pixels 1611. Most of this light passes between display pixels 1611 as display light 1617. Display light 1617 has a narrow spectral bandwidth matching the bandwidth of spectral reflector 1616. When optional spectral filters 1612 are used, the spectral bandwidth of display light 1617 is the narrower of spectral filters 1612 and spectral reflectors 1616. Alternatively, when the spectral filters 1612 are the same bandwidth or narrower than spectral reflectors 1616, no light from display pixels 1611 will pass through spectral reflectors 1616 away from viewer.

Light from the display pixels is prevented from entering the viewer's pupil by spectral notch filter 1504. Spectral notch filter 1504 has a center aperture, such that light from the display pixels is permitted to enter the viewer's pupil. This light travels through lenslet 1502, which substantially collimates the light from the display pixels and through an optional optical filter 1503. The viewer's eye 1500 then focuses the largely collimated light from the display pixels onto the retina.

Concurrently, light 1615 from the surrounding environment (i) passes through the transparent substrate 1618, spectral reflectors 1616 and optical adhesive 1619, and (ii) passes between display pixels 1611 and optical features 1613 onto the contact lens 1501. Light 1615 is able to pass through spectral notch filter 1504 and enter into the viewer's pupil, where it is focused onto the retina by the eye 1500. Light 1615 also passes through lenslet 1502, but is blocked by the optional optical filter 1503.

The openings between optical features 1613 and display pixels 1611 allow light 1615 to pass through; however, these features diffract light 1615. As such, in some embodiments, the fill factor for the optical features 1613 and display pixels 1611 is kept relatively low (e.g., less than 25%) to minimize the amount of diffraction.

FIG. 17 depicts an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that uses polarized reflectors to redirect narrow bands of light from the display pixels back to the viewer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 17, a viewer's eye 1500 is shown wearing a contact lens 1501 for viewing a sparsely filled matrix display 1710 that uses polarized reflectors 1716 to redirect the polarized light from the display pixels 1711 back to the viewer. In addition, the viewer is able to see the surrounding light 1715 that passes through the polarized reflectors 1716 and between the display pixels 1711.

As illustrated, display pixels 1711 are affixed to transparent substrate 1714 with spacing between each adjacent pixel to allow light to pass. Polarizer filters 1712 polarize the light from display pixels 1711 to a first polarization. Depending on the embodiment, optical features 1713 may be either reflective or opaque to prevent light from pixels 1711 from directly illuminating the viewer's eye 1500. By using reflectors for optical features 1713, more light from display pixels 1711 is directed toward polarized reflectors 1716. In the illustrated embodiment, polarized reflectors 1716 reflect light of a first polarization and transmit light of a second polarization.

Transparent substrate 1718 is etched or molded to create concave surfaces to which a polarizer layer is applied to create polarized reflectors 1716. Substrate 1718 is bonded to transparent substrate 1714 with optical adhesive 1719. The coefficients of refraction of transparent substrate 1718, transparent substrate 1714, and optical adhesive 1719 are substantially the same, such that light 1715 passes through without modification other than being attenuated by polarizer reflector 1716. Polarizer reflector 1716 only transmits light 1715 corresponding to the second polarization.

Light from display pixels 1711 is (i) polarized by filters 1712 to the first polarization, (ii) reflected by polarized reflector 1716, and (iii) passed back towards display pixels 1711. Most of this light passes between display pixels 1711 as display light 1717. Since polarized filters 1712 only pass light of a first polarization and polarized reflector 1716 reflects all light of the first polarization, no light passes through polarized reflector 1716 away from the viewer.

Light from the display pixels is prevented from entering the viewer's pupil by polarization filter 1504, which blocks light of the first polarization and passes light of the second polarization. Polarization filter 1504 has an aperture in the center that allows light from the display pixels to enter the viewer's pupil. This light travels through lenslet 1502, which substantially collimates the light from the display pixels and through the optional optical filter 1503. The viewer's eye 1500 then focuses the largely collimated light from the display pixels onto the retina.

At the same time, light 1715 from the surrounding environment (i) passes through the transparent substrate 1718, (ii) is polarized to a second polarization by polarized reflectors 1716, (iii) passes through optical adhesive 1719, and (iv) passes between display pixels 1711 and optical features 1713 onto the contact lens 1501. Light 1715 is able to pass through polarized filter 1504 and enter the viewer's pupil, where it is focused onto the retina by the eye 1500. Light 1715 also passes through lenslet 1502, but is blocked by the optional optical filter 1503.

The openings between optical features 1713 and display pixels 1711 allow light 1715 to pass; however, these features diffract light 1715. As such, in some embodiments, the fill factor for the optical features 1713 and display pixels 1711 is kept relatively low (e.g., less than 25%) to minimize the amount of diffraction.

FIG. 18 shows an example configuration of a contact lens and a sparsely filled matrix display that uses partial reflectors to redirect narrow bands of light from the display pixels back to the viewer, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 18, a viewer's eye 1500 is depicted wearing a contact lens 1501 for viewing a sparsely filled matrix display 1810 that uses partial reflectors 1816 to redirect the light from the display pixels 1811 back to the viewer. In addition, the viewer is able to see the surrounding light 1815 that passes through the partial reflectors 1816 and between the display pixels 1811.

As shown, display pixels 1811 are affixed to transparent substrate 1814 with spacing between each adjacent pixel to allow light to pass. The optical characteristics of the light reaching the viewer's eye are modified by locating optical filters 1812 over some or all of the display pixels 1811. Depending on the embodiment, optical filters 1812 may be either narrow bandpass spectral filters or polarization filters. Additionally, optical features 1813 may be either reflective or opaque to prevent light from pixels 1811 from directly illuminating the viewer's eye 1500. In using reflectors for optical features 1813, more light from display pixels 1811 is directed toward partial reflectors 1816.

In the illustrated embodiment, partial reflectors 1816 reflect some of the light from display pixels 1811 and transmit the rest of the light. Additionally, transparent substrate 1818 is etched or molded to create concave surfaces to which a partial reflector layer is applied to create partial reflectors 1816. Substrate 1818 is bonded to transparent substrate 1814 with optical adhesive 1819. The coefficients of refraction of transparent substrate 1818, transparent substrate 1814, and optical adhesive 1819 are substantially the same such that light 1815 passes through without modification other than being attenuated by partial reflector 1816.

Light from display pixels 1811 is (i) modified by optical filters 1812, (ii) reflected by partial reflector 1816, and (iii) passed back towards display pixels 1811. Most of this light passes between display pixels 1811 as display light 1817. The light from display pixels 1811 that transmits through partial reflector 1816 will be visible to an observer. In order to prevent this, some embodiments use optical filter 1820 to block the light from being transmitted toward observers. Specifically, if optical filters 1812 comprise narrow bandpass spectral filters, then optical filter 1820 may comprise a narrow band spectral notch filter to block the light from being transmitted toward an observer. Alternatively, if optical filters 1812 comprise polarization filters of a first polarization, then optical filter 1820 may comprise a polarization filter of a second polarization to block the light from being transmitting toward an observer.

Light from the display pixels is prevented from entering the viewer's pupil by optical filter 1504. Optical filter 1504 has a center aperture that allows light from the display pixels to enter the viewer's pupil. This light travels through lenslet 1502, which substantially collimates the light from the display pixels and through the optional optical filter 1503. The viewer's eye 1500 then focuses the largely collimated light from the display pixels onto the retina.

In embodiments where optical filters 1812 are narrow bandpass spectral filters, the light from display pixels 1811 reaching contact lens 1501 comprises narrow band light. In such cases, optical filter 1504 may comprise a spectral notch filter that blocks these narrow bands of light, but passes the broad bands of light 1815.

In embodiments where optical filters 1812 are polarization filters of a first polarization, optical filter 1504 may comprise a polarization of a second polarization that blocks the first polarization light from pixels 1811. The un-polarized light 1815 that passes between optical filters 1812 also passes through optical filter 1504.

Light 1815 from the surrounding environment (i) passes through the transparent substrate 1818, partial reflectors 1816 and optical adhesive 1819, and (ii) passes between display pixels 1811 and optical features 1813 onto the contact lens 1501. Light 1815 is able to pass through optical filter 1504 and enter the viewer's pupil, where it is focused onto the retina by the eye 1500. Light 1815 also passes through lenslet 1502, but is blocked by the optional optical filter 1503.

The openings between optical features 1813 and display pixels 1811 allow light 1815 to pass; however, these features diffract light 1815. As such, in some embodiments, the fill factor for the optical features 1813 and display pixels 1811 is kept relatively low (e.g., less than 25%) to minimize the amount of diffraction.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the twin “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; and an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system.
 2. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the opaque element is reflective and reflects light emitted from the pixel element away from the human visual system.
 3. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the pixel element comprises a pixel triad.
 4. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein there is one opaque element per pixel element.
 5. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein there is one opaque element per row or column of pixel elements.
 6. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the reflector comprises a narrow band reflector.
 7. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; and an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a narrow band reflector and wherein there is one reflector per pixel element.
 8. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; and an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a narrow band reflector and wherein there is one reflector per row or column of pixel elements.
 9. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the reflector comprises a polarization reflector.
 10. The display panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the reflector comprises a partial reflector.
 11. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; and an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector has a concave shape that allows sufficient expansion of incident light rays to allow the incident light rays to pass around the pixel element.
 12. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; and an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a partial reflector and the partial reflector has a concave shape that reduces the expansion of incident light rays to parallel light rays perceivable by the human visual system.
 13. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a narrow band reflector; and a narrow bandpass filter disposed on at least one pixel element, wherein the narrow bandpass filter limits light emitted by the at least one pixel element toward the narrow band reflector to a bandwidth that does not pass through the narrow band reflector.
 14. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a polarization reflector; and a polarization filter disposed on at least one pixel element, wherein the polarization filter limits light emitted by the at least one pixel element toward the polarization reflector to a polarity that does not pass through the polarization reflector.
 15. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a partial reflector; and a narrow bandpass filter disposed on at least one pixel element and a narrow band notch filter disposed on the far side of the reflector, wherein the narrow bandpass filter limits light emitted by the at least one pixel element toward the partial reflector to a bandwidth that does not pass through the narrow band notch filter.
 16. A display panel assembly, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted, wherein the transparent substrate has a first coefficient of refraction; a two-dimensional display panel attached to the transparent substrate using an adhesive having a second coefficient of refraction substantially similar to the first coefficient of refraction, wherein the display panel comprises pixel elements sufficiently spaced with respect to each other to allow light to pass through the display panel assembly; a reflector disposed between at least one pixel element and the transparent substrate, wherein the reflector is capable of reflecting light emitted from the at least one pixel element toward a human visual system and the reflector to allow broadband light to pass through the display panel assembly; an opaque element disposed on the pixel element such that the opaque element is capable of blocking light emitted from the at least one pixel element away from the human visual system, wherein the reflector comprises a partial reflector; and a first polarization filter disposed on at least one pixel element and a second polarization filter disposed on the far side of the reflector, wherein the first polarization filter limits light emitted by the at least one pixel element toward the partial reflector to a polarity that does not pass through the second polarization reflector. 